Environmental Concerns About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is generally considered more safe and stable than diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Most forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can result in various types of health issues to human beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is really harmful to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to humans and the environment.
Normal Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, heat, flames, sparks and smoking must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.